A 12-year-old girl in the U.S. state of Georgia has died days after a fight with another student, raising new worries about bullying among school children.
The girl, Jada West, was a student at Mason Creek Middle School in Villa Rica, Georgia.
According to reports from local media, the incident happened on March 5 after the school bus dropped students off in the neighborhood.
Witness video showed two girls arguing and then fighting on the street while other children stood nearby watching.
After the fight ended, Jada walked away and headed toward her home. But moments later, she suddenly collapsed.
Family members later found her lying on the ground and not responding.
She was quickly taken to Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, where doctors tried to save her life. She later fell into a coma and died on Sunday.
Jada’s mother, Rashuna McLendon, said her daughter had only started attending the school in January and had already been facing bullying from other students.
She told local reporters that parents must teach their children kindness and respect for others.
The family is also asking questions about how the situation happened. They want to know why the other student involved in the fight was riding a bus that did not serve that neighborhood.
Authorities are now working to understand exactly what led to the child’s death.
Police in Villa Rica have opened an investigation, while the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office is reviewing video of the fight to decide if any criminal charges should be filed.
Doctors are also carrying out an autopsy to find the official cause of death.
The Douglas County School System shared a message of sympathy to the girl’s family. School officials said the fight did not happen on school grounds or during school hours.
By: Paisley Rae Thompson